Tag Archives: Bath fitness classes

So it’s Jungle time again – I’m a celebrity get me out of here is back on TV.

I’m actually not a major fan (more of a Strictly girl as I LOVE dancing) although I have watched a bit of it already.

What is evident is the importance of food in our lives. Susannah of “Trinny & Susannah” mentioned how food has been in her mind her whole life so the thought of maybe missing a meal is alien.

We are so lucky to be able to get food anywhere, anytime and pretty much anything we want but this can lead to the problems we have with overeating and being disconnected from our bodies… mindless munching of a huge box of popcorn at the cinema, always having a biscuit with your cup of tea, having a muffin everytime you go to a coffee shop etc etc.

So in the run up to Christmas, when we are surrounded by even more food, just take a moment to connect your brain to your body and ask “am I really hungry?” Perhaps you could drink some water and wait another hour before you eat – maybe you could be satisfied with a smaller portion – or maybe you could add more vegetables to your plate and reduce the amount of pasta or potatoes.

But if you do want to get into your LBD before Christmas you could do a few things:

The only reason I know is because in 2013 I volunteered to be an ambassador for this initiative started by Jamie Oliver that has spread worldwide in the endeavour to educate and inspire children and adults to learn where their food comes from and how to cook healthy food .

So it may seem strange that the word healthy and chocolate both feature next to each other! However this is the perfect way to get children involved in cooking something they will enjoy.

Here’s how with these gluten free, dairy and sugar free chocolate brownies that everyone seems to love, especially those with with food allergies or intolerances who would like a sweet treat.

The secret ingredient in these is….sweet potato that is packed with nutrition and taste great.

SWEET POTATO BROWNIES

2 medium/large sweet potatoes

14 medjool dates- pitted

80g ground almonds

100g buckwheat or brown rice flour

4 tbsp raw cacoa powder

pinch salt

Pre heat oven to 180C (fan 160)

1.Peel sweet potatoes, cut in chunks and steam for about 20 mins until really soft

2.Remove and allow to cool slightly

3.Add to food processor with dates, blend until smooth and creamy

4.Put all other ingredients in a bowl, then add date/potato mixture

5.Stir well – (This may be quite difficult and you may think its really dry but dont panic)

6. Place in baking dish/tray and cook for 20/30 mins until skewer comes out clean

7.Remove from oven and leave to cool in tray for 10 mins (REALLY IMPORTANT STEP)

After this time they can be turned out to finish cooling and cut into squares – enjoy!

So if you believe in helping spread the word about how easy and important healthy eating is for a future generation of happy, healthy children and adults then feel free to share this recipe.

If you’d like more ideas that the whole family will love then check out my cookbook with 90 recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner ideas that are tasty, quick and of course good for your mind and body. There are smoothies, soups, hot meals and many ideas you may never had thought of but will be favourites for a long time. Click here to find out more

Enjoy the brownies

Zita 🙂

ps If you eat too many brownies and want to work them off then join our next trial week at Zest Bootcamp in Bath – click here